![]() ![]() There is a small, mainland-based portion of the park located in the swamps of Davis Bayou near Ocean Springs (Biloxi area). Only one island has public ferry service. The Mississippi portion of the park is largely made up of barrier islands that can only be reached by boat. For all intents and purposes, they are two separate parks and are visited by two distinct sets of vacationers. The Mississippi and Florida sections of Gulf Islands National Seashore are 70 miles apart by boat and 125 miles by car-the state of Alabama sits between them. Yellowstone, Assateague Island National Seashore, and a few other parks are situated across the borders of adjacent states and are thus one, continuous mass of land. It is also one of the few National Parks that lies within two different states, and even rarer because the states do not border each other. Gulf Islands National Seashore is the largest National Seashore in the National Park system. With wildlife to witness and waterways to explore, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a perfect place to experience Coastal Mississippi’s natural beauty.Gulf Islands National Seashore Map (click to enlarge) ![]() For campers, The Davis Bayou Campground features 51 sites for camping reservations. The park also features the Davis Bayou Trail, which takes visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous, as well as a fishing pier and boat launch. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, and picnicking, camping, and ranger-led programs. In addition to these offshore locations, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou Area is located in Ocean Springs and offers several recreational opportunities. In addition to options for swimming, sunbathing, birding, hiking, and fishing, Ship Island also offers a boardwalk for easy trekking across the island as well as restrooms, drinking water, and covered picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a full day of activities. With historical roots dating back to the War of 1812, Ship Island offers fort tours for visitors with an interest in history. Ship Island, which is easily accessible by ferry service with Ship Island Excursions, is home to Fort Massachusetts, a preserved brick fortification dating back to the mid-19th century. It features long stretches of beach and several species of flora and fauna to observe. Horn Island is a frequented favorite spot for swimming, boating, and relaxing in the sun. Petit Bois Island, translated to “little woods,” is almost 6 miles long and provides a great locale for swimming and fishing. It’s unique in that all but the western half and southern tip of the island is privately owned. Cat Island contains bayous and marshes home to several species of birds and alligators. Of the six barrier islands of Coastal Mississippi, Cat Island, Horn Island, Petit Bois Island, and Ship Island are included in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and each one has something unique and special to offer visitors. ![]() With thirteen distinct areas to visit and six of them in Coastal Mississippi, there are several things to see and do while celebrating the natural beauty of the seashore. Also known as American’s largest national seashore, the Gulf Islands National Seashore of Florida and Mississippi spans 160 miles from east to west. ![]()
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